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If you go with the X3 and it doesn't exceed your budget, I would highly recommend the 3.0 engine. It's arguably the best engine BMW has produced. The in-line 6 cylinder arrangement is inherently extremely well balanced (not something one can say about the 4 cylinder engine) and BMW has spent many years refining it with better and better air/fuel delivery and valve systems. The result is very efficient, very smooth power delivery across the full rpm range. The feeling in the cockpit is one of effortless power. At 6000 – 7500 feet elevation with 10 to 20 mile trips, we normally see 23 – 25 mpg. On cross country trips we see 26 – 29 mpg.

The recommendation for fuels (with the exception of the new addition of the BP recommendation) has been the same since the X3 was introduced in 2004. And even though I have not read the manuals on other models, I would assume the fuel brand recommendation runs across the entire BMW line-up.

I have followed the recommendation for using Top Tier brands (better detergent, less build-up in the engine) on my 2005 pretty faithfully. Zero issues with the vehicle for 125,000 miles. There is a Conoco station on my way home that is within a few pennies per gallon of the cheapest retailer, so I usually fill up there.

In Colorado the Top Tier retailers are Conoco, Phillips 66 and Shell.

I also run a bottle of Technron through the engine every 5000 miles or so. Other cleaners are pretty good, I think, but Techron (same additive as in Chevron fuels) is readily available in retailers here.

Shell 93. At least in Chicago area bp sucks. It also supplies the Costco gasoline stations. They had a big bugaboo a few months ago re selling contaminated gas. Shell or Mobil Exxon

Not true. BP does not supply Cosco. In a previous career we tested all the fuels for additive performance. Shell and BP were almost tied, except She'll put slightly more in theirs. Exxon/Mobil was three. All performed well. The supermarket, Cosco Walmart performed poorly. BP did have a problem last year but it was corrected.

Does not matter. Only verify Octane at least equal to minimum recommended. Look for convenience first, price second.

Have been purchasing new cars (and two CPOs) since 1969 and have never cared about anything but price and octane consistent with manufacturer. Have never been aware of any issue by not focusing on a given brand.